2 Years of NativeCare: Red Lake Nation's Celebration of Culture and Cannabis

When you step onto the Red Lake Nation, you feel it immediately: a deep sense of land, people, and purpose.  On the second anniversary of NativeCare, Minnesota's first tribal-owned cannabis dispensary, that feeling was alive in every handshake, laugh, and beat of the music.

Canna Connect's Luke McCapes and Tommy Shirley attended NativeCare’s anniversary as observers, but it quickly became something far greater: a shared experience among people from many different walks of life.  Luke brought the perspective of someone seeing NativeCare’s operations through a critical eye for detail and customer experience, while Tommy found himself immersed in the atmosphere, connecting emotionally with the people and their culture.  Around us were visitors from rural Minnesota, city dwellers, out-of-state travelers, and longtime friends of the Red Lake community.  Regardless of background, the day opened our eyes to the Nation’s depth, resilience, and pride, creating a sense of connection that transcended our differences.

A Journey North

Leaving the Twin Cities, the drive carries you past farmland before transitioning into Minnesota’s beloved cabin country.  Lakes sparkle between the trees, and the air grows crisper.  Past Brainerd, the scenery shifts to towering pines and winding roads, the bustle of tourist towns giving way to the stillness of the North.  The journey feels like shedding layers of noise and pace until, at last, you pass the Red Lake Nation sign and the hum of traffic fades into quiet.  The Town of Red Lake, not large in size and lacking the traditional coffee shop on every corner, is surrounded by vast pines and the expanse of Red Lake itself.  It has all the essentials, but its true wealth lies in its people and the surrounding land.

NativeCare: More Than a Store

Walking into NativeCare you are greeted by friendly staff, the check-in process was smooth and efficient, thanks to their user-friendly Dutchie system.  Inside, well-lit display cases showcased products organized by type: edibles, topicals, CBD, and of course flower.  Six strains were available that day, including Georgia Pie, with buds dusted in trichomes and an aroma reminiscent of autumn kitchens and fresh peach cobbler, a leafy and potent strain with a relaxing clean finish.  Prices were fair, if not better than some other dispensaries we've seen.

Housed in a spacious former grocery store, NativeCare blends professionalism with warmth.  The setup was well thought out.  While there was a line for budtenders, the feeling inside was positive and upbeat.  People were quietly browsing or making comments to each other if they brought a friend.  Admittedly, we had blinders on, focused on the products in the cases, not looking up to see the rest of the place at first.

The ceilings were a beautiful arched wood structure, resembling the inside of a canoe, with the entire back wall a giant mural depicting cultural scenes and accomplishments.  The lighting drew the eye to the building and the art, a subtle yet powerful nod to local heritage.

This was clearly an all-hands-on-deck day.  The staff were friendly and took orders accurately.  The best budtenders know how to ask the right questions and listen closely, catching the subtle cues customers give without words.  This transforms them from order takers into professionals, creating repeat customers and lasting connections… a win-win for everyone.

Celebration in Full Swing

Outside, the celebration pulsed with energy.  Four areas formed the heart of the event: the dispensary, a smoking/sesh space, a vendor market, and the music stage.  The smoking area buzzed with games, laughter, and the mouthwatering scent of a hog roast with all the trimmings.  A joint-rolling station and contest later in the day showcased creativity, with coveted NativeCare-branded rolling trays quickly becoming must-have souvenirs.

Vendors displayed Native jewelry, art, and crafts, weaving cannabis commerce together with cultural pride.  Each booth felt like a small bridge between tradition and the present.

Music, Laughter, and Community

The music stage came alive with hip hop and rap, highlighted by a powerful performance from Council Member Thomas Barrett, aka Thomas X.  His raw, reflective lyrics told stories of life in Red Lake with honesty and pride.  When a travel delay sidelined another act, the Rez Reporter stepped in with a 45-minute set of humor rooted in local life, drawing waves of laughter from the crowd.

Sovereignty in Action

Speaking with NativeCare's CEO, Kari Taylor, it became clear that this dispensary is far more than a business.  Operating as a non-profit, NativeCare reinvests every dollar into jobs, community programs, and long-term growth for the Nation.  Kari explained that, "~there are unique challenges addressing the differences between the tribe and the state when it comes to civil and judicial procedure," calling it the biggest setback in expanding their vision.  Even still, the tribe remains confident the compact will move forward.

These challenges are intensified by the lack of federal financial aid, even after a devastating tornado caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure.  Yet, the people remain steadfast in their heritage and sovereignty.  More than one person told us, "We will not trade our sovereignty for dollars."  Or in other words, the essence of who they are, their culture, their heritage... that’s not for sale.

Despite these hurdles, one truth is clear: the tribe's ability to expand commerce into different parts of the state will directly benefit its people through NativeCare's non-profit model.  Two years in, NativeCare has proven that cannabis can serve as both an economic driver and a cultural bridge.  The second anniversary was more than a celebration; it was a declaration that Red Lake Nation is leading, growing, and inviting the world to witness what sovereignty looks like in full bloom.

At the End of the Day

We found ourselves standing still, simply taking it all in: children smiling and dancing, families laughing together, and as the Rez Reporter often noted, even the occasional rez dog wandering by was healthy and happy.  We felt safe and welcome.  We were different in background and culture, and we were all aware of that.  Yet, the tribe and its members were genuinely open, eager for us to see their dedication to the land, their people, and their culture.  They welcomed even the “dumb” questions without offense.  On this day, we all got to shine.  And to think, one remarkable plant could be the common connector through all of this.

To Red Lake Nation: Thank you for the warmth, the stories, the music, and most of all the medicine. Sharing in your celebration was an honor and an experience we will not soon forget.